Arsenal officially promote Alex Iwobi to first-team squad

Arsenal have officially promoted Alex Iwobi to the first-team squad following the youngster’s impressive development this campaign.

The Nigeria international has been heavily involved with Arsene Wenger’s side and has made eight first-team appearances in all competitions.

Although he progressed through the ranks at Arsenal as a winger, Iwobi has thrived as a central-midfielder this season and was particularly impressive in the recent FA Cup victory over Burnley.

It had been anticipated that the 19-year-old would be loaned out at some point this campaign, but Iwobi is now set to remain with Wenger’s squad. He will keep the number 45 shirt for the remainder of this campaign but will be allocated a lower squad number ahead of next season.

I get the feeling that iwobi might now be sent out on loan when the loan window re-opens on Tuesday. With Welbeck coming back against hull, I think iwobi might play in that and then go. Jack and Santi are not far away so iwobi could find himself out of the picture come early March. Also any deal done in this next window will only be a temporary one so he could always be recalled. As it is I don’t think he will make the bench against Leicester with elneny, chambers and arteta all hoping to take his place.

I expect gnabry and Matt Macey to go on loan too. I think I am right in thinking that all the other academy players (bar the injured iliev) are eligible for any of the remaining academy fixtures as they strive to win both leagues and the FA youth cup.

100% agree with this. Our bench will be very strong once players are back within the next few weeks. Be best for iwobi to go on loan even if it’s to sit on the bench for another prem club rather than play u21 football for us.